NATIONAL DEFENCE COMPANIES.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the high payments to air raid precautions personnel and the low rates of pay offered to the older men who comprise the National Defence Companies, recruitment for the latter has been most unsatisfactory; whether he will lower the age limit to 41 and remove the higher age limit so as to include fit older men who now come under no category; and whether he will make any statement as to improved conditions so as to ensure increased personnel for these companies and relieve Territorial units now guarding vulnerable points?